WASHINGTON D.C. – Using its collective influence to foster positive change in U.S. health care, leading national nonprofit The Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C.-based organization that serves as a voice for health care purchasers, announced today that George Richard “Rick” Wagoner Jr., former chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM), and John G. Zern, CEO of Global Health and Benefits at Aon, have been elected to its board of directors.
“Mr. Wagoner and Mr. Zern are influential leaders in their respective industries and we’re looking forward to bringing their insights and experience working with employers to The Leapfrog Group,” said Laurel Pickering, board chair of The Leapfrog Group. “Their commitment to the future of health care will be of great value to us as we strive to foster positive change in the industry.”
After receiving a B.A. in economics from Duke University and a MBA from Harvard Business School, Wagoner spent three decades at GM, including nine years as CEO and seven years as Chairman before retiring in 2009. During his tenure, Wagoner was influential in the founding of The Leapfrog Group in 2000, securing GM as a founding member.
Zern brings more than 25 years of experience in driving health care strategy for corporate clients across all industries and global geographies. In his role with Aon he advises large, employer-sponsored health care markets on strategies related to health care reform, wellness, pharmacy, absence management, advocacy, clinical capabilities and private health exchanges. He received his bachelor’s degree from Xavier University.
Of his appointment to the board of directors, Wagoner commented, “Having been closely involved with The Leapfrog Group at its founding, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to support the organization’s important work in promoting the critical issues of safety and quality in health care.”
“Aon is committed to working toward a system that unites employers, providers, payers and patients to improve the quality, transparency and safety of health care in the U.S.,” said John Zern. “The Leapfrog Group is one of the strongest voices driving systematic change throughout our health care system, and I am honored to join its board.”
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
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